Health battle spurs Owens’ Cairns revival
SHAUN Owens was a man in his prime. Mr Fitness at the former FNQ Heat, the defender has signed on for Cairns FC with unfinished business for 2018.
At his peak in 2016, Owens was voted coach’s player of the year. He was arguably the fittest sportsman in the Far North coming into this year but by the time mid-season rolled around, this picture of health was a couch potato.
The cause was gall stones – a condition usually associated with inactivity with age.
“It literally was get to work, get home and just crash. It really took it out of me going from one or two sessions a day most days to not much at all was quite Owens said.
“I could walk, but if I walked upstairs I’d be quite drained and fatigued and light-headed.”
Owens had been hopeful of surgery preseason but the frustration grew as it kept getting put off and all he could do was watch and wait.
But in testament to the fortitude of the man, just 40 days after surgery he was running again. Every day on the football field now is a bonus, even preseason training.
“I couldn’t wait to get back here and I’m really excited to be back on the pitch playing football again,” Owens said.
“As much as it was hard it’s really motivating. I’ve come back now really refreshed, really keen to get into it, so hopefully it’s a good year.” a big change,”
Cairns FC have announced the signing of Shaun Owens and Ryan Cavanah for 2018
Owens, a defender, has played 3 seasons for FNQ Heat
Cavanah is a centre-mid who played Spanish youth league
Two visa players have signed but are yet to be announced
The 27-year-old is exactly the type of player Cairns FC coach Danny Graystone wants in his squad. Owens’ work ethic is second-to-none and he is meticulous with his diet, making the whole 2017 debacle a mystery apart from some unfortunate genetics.
“(Diet) is imperative. I adjust my meals and calorie macro-intake to the level of expected activity,” he said.
“Obviously game day and training days are quite high and it makes a big difference for your recovery. If I miss the mark for a few days, I definitely feel the ill-effects.”
A quiet achiever, Owens is happy to lead from the backline and have a positive impact on the young talent, such as 17year-old signing Ryan Cavanah, as Cairns FC look to build the future.
“You can never have too many leaders in a team, so whatever way I can assist in a leadership role I’d be more than happy to,” he said.
Graystone said it would be exciting to see the influence Owens could have in 2018.
“Having seen what I’ve seen during preseason training is he’s a real hard-working player, he’s really experienced and he really jells well with the younger lads as well, which is something that really excited me about him,” he said.
Cavanah caught Graystone’s eye in the trials – no surprise considering his experience in the youth divisions at Spanish third-tier club Rancon De La Victoria.
“He’s a good young talent and another player I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do for us this season, Graystone said.
Cairns FC have now announced eight signings with two visa players to be announced when they arrive.
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